For many teens, adults, and parents living with a smile they believe to be less than ideal, the prospect of enduring years of corrective treatment with a mouthful of brackets and wires is more than enough to keep them far away from an orthodontist’s chair. Thankfully, clear aligners from companies like Invisalign® and ClearCorrect have become a more readily available—and affordable—option for the orthodontia-phobic.
Rather than a system of metal brackets and wires, clear aligners are a series of custom-made soft-plastic forms that gradually straighten your teeth little by little. Each set is worn for approximately two weeks before moving on to the next. The length of the treatment depends on the complexity of the case, but treatment time is typically less than conventional braces; averaging about twelve months. Besides the shortened treatment time, there are other benefits to clear aligners.
“Believe it or not, having straight teeth can positively affect your overall health,” said Dr. Ryan Bygness of Thirty Two & You Family Dental. “Crowded or over-spaced teeth can affect your gums, which can then lead to gum disease and a whole host of other health problems, especially for those who don’t maintain a good oral health regimen.”
With a removable orthodontic appliance, cleaning your teeth is much easier. This treatment is also an ideal option for teens with extracurricular activities that might require them to remove the aligner, such as band or sports. And because they’re tough and removable, clear aligners also allow patients a wider variety dietary choices. Traditional braces can also lead to mouth and gum irritation, but with clear aligners, that irritation is a thing of the past.
“Whether you have crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, an over, under, open, or crossbite, clear aligners—such as Invisalign®—are an effective treatment for a variety of problems,” said Dr. Bygness. “In addition to traditional braces, we’re a certified Invisalign® provider and are excited to be able to offer this service to our community full-time.”
Thirty Two & You Family Dental is located at 1328 Broadway in Denison. For more information or to request an appointment, call, or follow the company on Facebook.